Hunting Teddy Roosevelt was a very interesting action and adventure novel. I had heard a lot about Teddy’s trip to East Africa so when I saw this book on Kindle it was a must for me.
I live in Kenya and find the history of this country fascinating. Hunting Teddy Roosevelt is a fictional account of his great safari. Teddy drags his alcoholic son along to show him the world. However, to me, the book brings to mind around the world in eighty days, as there is a dark figure who is sent to hunt Teddy and at all costs stop him from returning to the U.S.
The story starts in 1909 just after Teddy Roosevelt has left office. During his term, he did not accomplish what he had wanted too so is very disgruntled. Although, he has not decided to run for another term. This, however, is not a final decision, consequently, his political rivals in Washington are feeling very uneasy. But Teddy is looking for that last adventure all men clamor for. He uses his good name to secure funding and then chooses to walk across deepest darkest Africa. Teddy embarks on the largest safari ever undertaken at that time. He leads two-hundred and sixty-four men, on foot, through the savannahs, plains, and jungles of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and the Congo then makes a final dash to Sudan.
His hunting from that time is legendary here in Kenya, there are stories of whole herds of elephants being killed. Teddy walks across the plains getting himself into all sorts of adventures with slave traders, aggressive tribes, and many difficult encounters with wild animals. Along the way, he is trying to cure his alcoholic son and give him a new beginning in life. The safari is plagued by a series of unfortunate mishaps that might or might not be caused by a spy planted in the group to cause unrest and ultimately stop Teddy from returning to the U.S. A famed reporter needing an exclusive story, manages to ingratiate herself with the safari which brings Roosevelt bitter-sweet memories.
I enjoyed the romp across Africa. However, the descriptions are a bit out of whack and the distances were not researched very well. Although very entertaining, it does read more like a movie than a book. People seem to be able to travel large distances across very hostile territory in very short periods. Having lived and worked in Africa for many years, even now in the 21st century we would find it very hard to move at the pace Roosevelt seemed to with his massive entourage. The cast of characters are well thought out and varied. I particularly liked the father and son who arrive about halfway through the book. They are Boers and bring a real clarity to the times. These men are tough and strong and love the plains of Africa.
Hunting Teddy Roosevelt held my attention, as a stand-alone action and adventure novel with some very clever twists and turns it would be hard to beat. I became intrigued by the history. It is well worth the read and gives a valuable insight into life in East Africa at the turn of the century.
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Below are some more useful links about Safaris in Africa- Enjoy!
Mark Dawson | The Vault
Gordon Wallis | The Snow Man Of Zanzibar
Wayne Stinnett, John Cunnigham, Nick Sullivan, Nicholas Harvey| Graceless
Through the Leopard’s Gaze | Njambi McGarth
The Sahara Legacy | Ernest Dempsey
Stephen King | A Memoir of the Craft
Petter Rimmer- Echoes From the Past
Top Tips for an African Safari and Beach Holiday
African Safari Which is the Best Country to Choose and Why?
Top Tips for the Perfect African Safari Vehicle
The Naming of Kenya-How and Why!
Zanzibar Tanzania-A must for your Bucket List
A Trip to Monsoon Restaurant Mtwapa
Kerosene Harvesting Stories from Kenya
Mugged by a Trigger Fish Stories From Kenya
Mekatilili Wa Wenza Stories From Kenya
